MCS TA Day 2022

MCS TA Day 2022 back in person!

After running online for a couple of years, the department TA training day is finally back in person! Around 125 teaching assistants in Math, Computer Science, and Statistics excitedly engaged on the first day in IB 345, in MCS-focused hands-on sessions ran by our faculty members that discussed learning outcomes, academic integrity, classroom management, conflict resolution, and assessment grading.

A panel of TAs also participated in a Q&A that gave the attendees – especially our newer TAs – an inside perspective on running tutorials and building community with students. Indeed, community building has always been a running theme of this workshop, and as is tradition the day was rounded out by a fun evening of games.

The second day of the workshop was held online, for which around 140 TAs were in attendance. A CUPE representative facilitated a session on the attendees’ rights and responsibilities as TAs; department staff was also present to facilitate a discussion of TA contracts and DDAH (Description of Duties and Allocation of Hours) forms. Finally, the workshop closed with an important session on Mental Health, Equity, and Inclusion with Nythalah Baker of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office and Michelle O’Brien of the UTM Health and Counselling Centre facilitating (thank you!).

To our TAs, we hope this experience was informative, fun, and energizing for all of you, and we wish you the best in the coming terms!